How to Set Up an FTB StoneBlock 4 Server in 2026

What is FTB StoneBlock 4?

FTB StoneBlock 4 is the newest entry in Feed The Beast's underground survival series. You start surrounded by stone, build your first resources from almost nothing, and slowly turn a sealed cave into a factory, magic base, and late-game progression machine.

The 2026 version is not just StoneBlock 3 with newer mods. It is rebuilt around Minecraft 1.21.1 and NeoForge, with FTB Quests, FTB Team Bases, Replication, Create, Mekanism, Ars Nouveau, Industrial Foregoing, Occultism, Draconic Evolution, The Twilight Forest, Chickens, and Fluid Cows all part of the pack ecosystem.

For servers, the appeal is simple: StoneBlock 4 gives every player a clear progression loop. One person can handle Create automation, another can chase magic, someone else can push resource generation, and the group still moves toward shared goals. It is easier to keep a multiplayer world alive when the pack naturally gives players jobs.

Which Minecraft Version to Run

For a new StoneBlock 4 server, use the current Minecraft 1.21.1 NeoForge release. The public CurseForge listing shows StoneBlock 4 as a 1.21.1 NeoForge pack, with active updates and server files for the same branch.

That means two things matter before you launch: use Java 21, and make sure your server pack version exactly matches the version your players install in the CurseForge app. NeoForge packs are not interchangeable with Forge or Fabric.

Server Requirements & RAM Guide

StoneBlock 4 is friendlier than huge kitchen-sink packs like ATM10, but it is still a modern FTB pack with automation, quests, world systems, and a lot of active blocks. Use this as your starting point:

CPU matters too. StoneBlock worlds are smaller than open overworld packs, but automation chains and resource generation create tick load over time. Choose fast CPU cores, SSD storage, and enough RAM headroom that garbage collection is not constantly fighting your players.

Option A: Quick Setup with ModReady

The low-friction path is to let ModReady handle the server install, Java version, NeoForge version, backups, and JVM flags.

1. Open checkout and pick Standard+ for 8 GB RAM.
2. Select FTB StoneBlock 4 from the modpack picker.
3. Choose the region closest to your group.
4. Complete checkout and use WELCOME20 for 20% off the first month.
5. Invite players once the panel shows the server as online.

Standard+ is the right baseline for most StoneBlock 4 groups. If your group is planning heavy automation from day one, start on Modded Pro or Plus instead of upgrading after lag appears.

Option B: Self-Hosting Your Server

If you want to run the server on your own machine or VPS, follow this process and keep the versions strict.

Step 1: Install Java 21

Download Java 21 from Adoptium. Verify it before you start:

java -version # Should show: openjdk version "21.x.x"

Step 2: Download the Official Server Pack

Download the StoneBlock 4 server pack from the FTB StoneBlock 4 CurseForge page. Use the server pack for the same version your players install. Do not build the server manually from the client files unless you enjoy chasing dependency errors.

Step 3: Extract and Start Once

1. Create a fresh folder such as stoneblock4-server.
2. Extract the server pack into that folder.
3. Run the included start or install script once to fetch NeoForge and dependencies.
4. Accept the Minecraft EULA by setting eula=true in eula.txt.
5. Start the server again and wait for the first boot to finish.

Step 4: Configure Basics

Open server.properties and set a conservative baseline:

view-distance=8 simulation-distance=6 max-players=10 online-mode=true enable-command-block=true

Required Server Setting

This one is important: FTB notes that StoneBlock 4 requires command blocks to be enabled. Without enable-command-block=true, some structures and pack systems may not function correctly.

Many hosts disable command blocks by default because vanilla servers rarely need them. StoneBlock 4 is the exception. Set it before the first public session so you do not create a broken first impression.

Performance Tips for StoneBlock 4

Common Issues & Fixes

Multiplayer Tips

StoneBlock 4 is strongest when a group splits responsibilities. Set teams early with FTB Team Bases, agree on chunk-loader limits, and keep a shared storage plan before every player builds a separate item system. A little coordination saves a lot of late-game TPS pain.

For a first server, start with 8 GB, keep backups automatic, and upgrade only when your actual world needs it. That keeps cost sane while leaving room for the pack to grow.